By Dina Guzzardo
The Billy Walton Band is an acclaimed five-piece band straight out of South Jersey that have found unprecedented global success. Initially forming in 2007, the Billy Walton Band began big, touring Europe from the outset and building a loyal international fanbase. Even with their international success, the band has never forgotten where they came from and symbolically wave their New Jersey flag wherever they go. This is a band whose roots are firmly grounded at the Jersey Shore, something that they are proud of. Front man and the only consistent member since its formation, Billy Walton, grew up playing at the Shore for several years before writing his own music and putting his own band together. I recently had the opportunity to speak to the charismatic front man about their latest album, Dark Hour, their success in Europe, and where fans can listen to them live.
Talking to Billy, the first thing that you notice is his laidback and easy-going personality. The band was formed after Billy got the chance to work with several of the original members on various projects. The close-knit music community in Jersey meant he was often working with the same people and realized the potential to start his own band. “The music scene in New Jersey is like a family. A lot of people play in other bands. It’s a different kind of atmosphere. I have known most of the guys for a long time and I know they can play. I met them out gigging, they sat in a couple times and we just put the band together just like that”, explains Walton. Although the band has seen numerous members throughout the years, their success has only increased. The band currently consists of William Paris (bass guitar), Tom Petraccaro (Sax), Eric Safka (Hammond B3), Bruce Krywinski Jr (Trumpet), and Shane Luckenbough (Drums). Their unique sound has seen them skyrocket to becoming one of the most well-known bands in the area for their genre. What is their genre? Well, Walton says that depends who is listening. “That’s really up to the listener. Every album has been a little bit different. Our last record is very ‘rocking’. A couple of albums before had hints of soul and blues. We kind of straddle blues rock, rock and rock, or Jersey rock, I should say, and jam band. We straddle three different genres and have done festivals for all three” he clarifies.
Their most recent album, Dark Hour, was released in early September of this year, and Walton drew inspiration from the relationship woes of his close friends. “If you listen to it from start to finish, it’s the beginning and then the demise of their relationship. It was kind of fun to write like that.” Walton stated. This is perhaps the Billy Walton Band’s most ambitious project yet, diverting from their usual happy and upbeat melodies. My personal favorite record from the album, “Can’t love no one”, was written from the perspective of someone leaving a relationship. As Walton explained, people usually write from perspective of being left and Walton’s intention was to give a new angle to this mutual heartbreak. He wrote it so people can adapt it to their owns lives, rather than it being applicable to just one person. Walton saw this project as an opportunity to connect with his audience on a level he had never before.
While it takes most bands several years of hard work to secure themselves a European tour, the BWB found themselves across the pond early on thanks to being scouted by an English talent agent. The band used to play at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park in their early years and on one particular night, a certain international superstar from the area was also playing (I will let you guess who) approached them after their set, Walton got speaking to the agent and they put together a tour. From there, things just exploded. Walton puts their success in Europe down to their unique take on Blues and Rock. “We are a little different with the horns, keyboard, and Jersey attitude. Jersey music plays ahead of the beat and it is a little different. That’s why we took off over there” he explains. Walton also puts their international success down to the cultural differences. Playing in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Luxembourg, the band was able to see how European audiences have live music engrained into their lives. The European audience is really open to something new and going out every Friday and Saturday night to see a live band is normal. These factors meant the Billy Walton Band were destined for success in Europe.
The Billy Walton Band have several shows in the pipeline, all of which are COVID-19 dependent. Over the summer, they played Laguna every Wednesday and in Brigantine, so the band has been able to stay fresh. Although they have a tour set for February into March, Walton does not really see it happening, meaning the next one will be pushed until May. He remains optimistic, but understands the risks are not worth it and safety is paramount. For anyone wanting to catch them live, their website www.billywaltonband.com has a list of dates they are playing all adhering to social distancing protocols. They are also live streaming their concerts for anyone who is concerned about seeing them live which can be found on social media @billywaltonband. You can also listen to them across all music streaming services. Be sure to check out the Billy Walton Band and their new album Dark Hour.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
